Ireland Win A Thriller

Replacement Karl Fitzpatrick converted his own last-second try to help Ireland make the best possible start to their European Nations Cup campaign with a 24-22 victory over Scotland.

The Salford scrum-half, who had earlier scored with his first touch of the ball, finally settled a see-saw encounter at Old Anniesland in Glasgow in favour of the Irish, who made it four wins from four against Scotland.

The Scots led 12-2 after 21 minutes thanks to two tries from full-back Lee Penny, both converted by Jon Duffy, but the visitors tied the game up by half-time thanks to a breakaway try from captain Phil Cantillon and another from second-rower James King, with Paul Handforth kicking a second goal.

The Irish went ahead for the first time at 52 minutes when Fitzpatrick grabbed his first try, which he converted, but Scotland looked to have secured victory when they scored two tries in 12 minutes through wingers Danny Arnold and Jason Roach.

Duffy kicked his third goal to give the home side a 22-18 lead but the Irish and Fitzpatrick had the final say.